When you can’t find an outlet, a power bank or portable charger can come in handy. We have been testing batteries and updating this guide for over a year. In that time, I’ve seen power banks used for a variety of purposes, from the critical (keeping my phone charged while riding public transportation in an unfamiliar city) to the leisurely (recharging a tablet so I can continue doing the crossword without leaving the couch).
So far, we’ve tested over two dozen banks to determine which are worthy, and these are currently the best power banks available.
The Best Power Banks
- Anker Portable Charger 10,000mAh
- Nitecore NB10000
- Anker PowerCore 24K
- Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic
- Anker MagGo 633
Anker Portable Charger 10,000mAh
Capacity: 10,000mAh | Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A | Output: 1 x USB-A (12W) | Weight: 7.5 oz (213g)
The Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 is a top-rated choice for those seeking a lightweight, portable power bank without sacrificing performance. It’s slim enough to easily fit in your pocket or bag, making it ideal for everyday use.
This power bank can charge most smartphones around two to three times on a single charge, depending on the phone’s battery size. Although it doesn’t support Power Delivery (PD) for ultra-fast charging, it remains a fantastic choice for those seeking affordability and reliability.
Nitecore NB10000
Capacity: 10,000mAh | Ports: USB/USB-C Dual | Max output: 38.5W
The Nitecore NB10000 features 10,000 mAh of nominal capacity at full charge, carbon fiber frame and panels, USB-A and USB-C outputs, a single multi-functional button, blue and white LED indicators, and pass-through charging capability.
The outstanding feature of this power bank is its high capacity-to-weight ratio. For a weight that is little more than that of a typical 5,000 mAh battery pack, you get twice the power. That’s an attractive proposition for any backpacker who carries electronics on multiday trips.
Anker PowerCore 24K
Capacity: 24,000mAh | Ports: 2 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A | Max output: 140W
This beast can not only charge your smartphone, tablet, and headphones, but it can even power a USB-C laptop with its 140W output.
Another feature I enjoy about this power bank is the pass-through charging, which charges the power bank using one of the USB ports while using the other ports to charge devices. This useful “splitter” feature comes in handy when there aren’t enough power outlets. Connect the power bank to a charger linked into an outlet, then connect your gadgets to it — simple!
The OLED display, which provides at-a-glance information on capacity, power inputs, and outputs, however, distinguishes this power bank from the competition. This is a really excellent feature that makes small flickering LEDs look really old-school. I enjoy how the screen changes direction when I rotate the battery bank.
Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic
Capacity: 5,000mAh | Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x wireless charging pad | Max output: 15W
This is one of the smallest power banks available, but that doesn’t mean it’s basic. Not only does this power bank have a battery capacity of 5,000mAh, but it also has a wireless charging pad and a USB-C port that can be used to charge other devices as well.
This bank also supports MagSafe wireless charging, which adds convenience by eliminating the need for iPhone owners to carry a cable. Finally, there is a trickle charge option that allows the bank to charge low-power devices like headphones or smartwatches without automatically shutting off, allowing you to listen to music and audiobooks for longer.
This power bank has received overwhelmingly excellent feedback, with owners praising its size and functionality. I’ve seen some reports about overheating, but I haven’t experienced it myself, and I suspect the owner has a thick case on their smartphone.
Anker MagGo 633
Capacity: 10,000mAh | Ports: 1 x USB-C and wireless charging | Max output: 20W
Dimensions: 7.59 x 9.02 x 15.8 inches | Weight: 12 lb | Capacity: 56 ounces | Power: 1200 watts
The KitchenAid K400 blender has a classic design, with a large jar and simple dial controls. It has five numbered speed settings and three preset programs that alternate speeds to crush ice into snow, make slushy beverages, and blend uniformly textured smoothies. During our tests, we were impressed by how well the ribbed jar and asymmetrical blade combined to create a vortex that sucked in all of the ingredients, allowing them to blend thoroughly. There is a tamper included to push food into the blades, but we didn’t use it.
This blender has an affordable price for such an effective machine, and it comes in a variety of colors, ranging from pale green pistachio to KitchenAid’s signature bright red. However, it is quite heavy and tall, so do not expect it to fit neatly in a cabinet when not in use. It will most likely have to live on the countertop.